[Health Column] SMILE Pro: Is It Really True That Autumn Is Better Than Summer? The Truth About Timing of Surgery Answered by an Ophthalmologist

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Hello, I am the Chief Director of Clear Seoul Ophthalmology. Im Tae-hyung It is. 😊

Many people looking into vision correction surgery have heard that it is better to have the operation in the fall or winter rather than the summer. There are also quite a few who hesitate about the timing of the surgery due to reasons such as the sweltering weather, strong ultraviolet rays, and water activities during the vacation season.

However, in reality, it is difficult to say that a specific season determines the outcome of SMILE Pro surgery. Rather than the season itself, it is much more important to accurately assess the condition of the eyes before surgery and determine the timing of the surgery according to the individual's lifestyle and schedule.

Today, I will summarize the timing for Smile Pro surgery and seasonal care tips. 👀✨

1️⃣ What kind of surgery is SMILE Pro?

It is the latest vision correction surgery that corrects vision by removing only the lenticule without a corneal flap.

SMILE PRO is a vision correction surgery that uses a femtosecond laser to create a lenticule inside the cornea necessary for vision correction, which is then removed through a small incision. Its most significant feature is that, unlike conventional LASIK, it does not create a corneal flap, and the shortened laser irradiation time during the surgery is also one of SMILE PRO's major advantages.

💡 Actual condition — Corrects vision with minimal irritation to the cornea

💬 Example — Compared to LASIK, the absence of a corneal flap results in relatively lower risks of dry eyes and recovery.

🩺 Director's Advice However, just because the surgical method is simple does not mean that the condition of the eyes can be disregarded. Corneal thickness and shape, the degree of myopia and astigmatism, and the presence of dry eye syndrome must be checked in advance.

2️⃣ Is it okay to get Smile Pro in the summer?

The summer itself is not the problem; the key is "preventing infection during the early stages of recovery."

To start with the conclusion, it is difficult to definitively say that a specific season is more favorable for SMILE Pro. While many people postpone surgery in the summer due to high temperatures and strong ultraviolet rays, the hot weather itself does not directly affect the surgical outcome.

💡 Actual condition — There is a risk of infection if sweat or contaminated water gets into the eyes during the early stages of recovery.

💬 Example — Avoid environments with a risk of infection, such as swimming pools, the sea, and saunas, for a certain period.

🩺 Director's Advice — If the indoor environment becomes dry due to air conditioner use, your eyes may feel dry, so during the summer, compared to the outside environment Basic rule of not rubbing your eyes It is important to protect it.

3️⃣ Then, is it definitely better to receive it in the fall or winter?

Taking care of your eye condition is a priority, regardless of the season.

Many people believe that autumn and winter are "good seasons for surgery" because temperatures are lower than in summer and there is less burden regarding sweating and water activities.

💡 Actual condition — Dry air + use of heating → Tears evaporate quickly

💬 Example Dry eyes and fatigue worsen when combined with the habit of using smartphones and computers for long periods

🩺 Director's Advice — Although the impact of snow varies by season, in any season Eye condition management before and after surgery This is the most important thing.

4️⃣ Timing of SMILE Pro Surgery: What Should Be Considered First?

"My eye condition + daily schedule" takes precedence over the season.

If you are planning to get Smile Pro, it is best to consider your eye condition and daily schedule first, rather than the season.

💡 Actual condition — Pre-operative detailed examination to check corneal condition, changes in vision, and presence of dry eye syndrome

💬 Example — If you have travel, water activities, outdoor activities, or important schedules planned, please adjust them so they do not overlap with your recovery period.

🩺 Director's Advice — It is necessary to follow the precautions provided by the medical staff after surgery and to manage your eyes by avoiding rubbing or irritation.

⚠️ Notice — The content of this column is intended for general informational purposes only, and results and the recovery process may vary depending on the individual's eye condition. Please ensure that an accurate assessment of your condition and a treatment plan are confirmed through an in-person consultation with an ophthalmologist.

🗣️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. How long does it take to recover to normal daily life?

A. You can regain normal vision starting the day after surgery. Initial vision recovery takes about 2 to 3 days, and vision stabilization takes about 1 to 3 months.

Q2. How often do I need to come for follow-up appointments after surgery?

A. It is recommended to visit in the following order: the day after surgery → 1 week → 1 month → 3 months → 6 months to 1 year.

Q3. When can I start drinking and smoking after surgery?

A. We recommend abstaining from alcohol for two weeks and avoiding excessive drinking for one month. It is best to avoid smoking as much as possible, as your eyes may be sensitive to the irritation of cigarette smoke.

🎯 Conclusion

SMILE PRO is not a surgery that can be definitively categorized as "should not be performed in the summer" or "especially better in the fall." While factors requiring management, such as dry eyes, UV rays, and outdoor activities, may vary depending on the season, the surgical results and recovery process... Individual eye condition + Pre-operative examination + Post-operative care It plays a much more important role.

Rather than deciding on the timing of surgery based solely on seasonal advice, such as "you should avoid summer" or "autumn is the best time," we recommend making a decision by considering your corneal condition, the presence of dry eyes, your lifestyle, and the recovery period and schedule together.

Key Points Checking "whether my eyes are suitable for SMILE Pro" is more important than the timing of the surgery.
Management points Regardless of the season, managing the condition of the eyes before and after surgery determines the results.
Specialist Consultation Determining the optimal timing through precise inspection and consultation instead of season-based judgment

👨‍⚕️ Director Im Tae-hyung (Chief Director of Clear Seoul Ophthalmology)

Graduated from Seoul National University College of Medicine
Seoul Asan Medical Center Intern / Ophthalmologist
Seoul National University Ophthalmology Fellow (Cornea, Cataract)
Selected by Expert SMILE Doctor
Selected as Expert CLEAR Doctor
Current Chief Director of Clear Seoul Ophthalmology
Former Head of Clinical Department at Hangil Eye Hospital (Director of LASIK & Dry Eye Center)
Former Professor at Catholic Kwandong University College of Medicine, Director of Education
Former Academic Director of the Korean Ophthalmological Society
Former Director of Gangnam Nuneunmiso Ophthalmology / Former Director of Gangnam IOK Ophthalmology

📚 source The medical content of this column was written based on the guidelines of the Korean Ophthalmological Society and domestic and international clinical research data.

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